For many families, medical equipment for elderly people at home means simple monitoring: a blood pressure monitor on the kitchen table, a thermometer in the drawer, a pulse oximeter or a set of scales. Used well, these devices give a GP a clearer picture of what happens between appointments. Used without a plan, they produce numbers nobody acts on, or worry over a single odd reading. This guide covers the main devices in the medical and diagnostics range, what the health authorities say about using each one at home, and how to make the readings useful.
Start with what the doctor wants to know
Before buying anything, ask the GP which readings matter for this person, how often to take them and what result should prompt a call. Healthdirect’s guide to health in your 70s recommends asking your doctor about regular cardiovascular health checks, and home readings can be taken along to those checks. A device chosen to answer a specific question gets used; one bought just in case tends to sit in a cupboard.
Blood pressure monitors
Home blood pressure monitoring has some of the clearest public guidance of any device here. According to Healthdirect, readings taken at home can be more accurate than readings in a clinic, where stress can push blood pressure up, and a doctor may ask for readings twice a day for 7 days. Healthdirect recommends a validated, automatic monitor with a cuff that wraps around the upper arm and fits properly, ideally with a memory. It does not recommend finger or wrist monitors, and advises seeing a doctor if blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg.
The blood pressure monitors range includes upper-arm models from Omron and Rossmax. The Omron HEM7121 stores 30 readings and has a cuff wrapping guide that confirms the cuff is on correctly. The Omron HEM7600T Smart Elite+ has a tubeless 360° Intelli Wrap cuff and connects by Bluetooth. For anyone who struggles to read a small screen, the Rossmax Deluxe XL has jumbo digits. The range also carries wrist models; given Healthdirect’s advice, check with the GP before choosing one.
Technique matters as much as the device. Healthdirect’s measurement tips suggest sitting quietly for 5 minutes first, with feet flat, legs uncrossed and the arm supported, taking two readings one minute apart, and avoiding caffeine and smoking for 30 minutes beforehand.
Thermometers
A thermometer answers one question: is there a fever? Healthdirect’s page on types of thermometer defines fever as a temperature above 38°C and suggests taking your temperature when you are well, so you know your own normal range. It rates digital thermometers used under the arm or tongue as the easiest for home use, describes ear thermometers as quick but only accurate when placed correctly, and says infrared thermometers are the easiest to use but can be inaccurate. When comparing readings, use the same type of thermometer in the same place on the body.
The medical thermometers range covers each type. The Welcare Digital Thermometer Standard WDT404 works orally, rectally or under the arm and has a fever alarm. The Omron TH839S ear thermometer gives a reading in one second and stores 9 readings, and the Omron MC720 forehead thermometer measures without contact and has a backlight for night-time checks.
Pulse oximeters
A pulse oximeter clips onto a fingertip and shows two numbers: oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate. The Therapeutic Goods Administration explains that it gives an estimate, usually 95 to 100% in healthy people, and that several factors affect accuracy, including poor fit, poor blood flow to the fingers, nail polish, artificial nails and darker skin. The TGA says readings should not be used on their own to judge how sick someone is, and that home use is safest as part of treatment from a doctor.
The pulse oximeters range includes the Rossmax Pulse Oximeter Large Display, with a big LED screen, and the Heart Sure A320, which has a dual colour OLED display, 6 display modes and a carry bag. Equipment for breathing sits in the respiratory and oxygen range, and our guide to oxygen concentrators covers home oxygen and the NDIS.
Scales
Weight is easy to overlook, yet it can change quietly in later life. Healthdirect notes that older people have an increased chance of being underweight, and that anyone losing weight without trying should see their doctor. A regular weigh-in at the same time of day makes a slow change visible.
The digital scale range starts with flat bathroom scales such as the Rossmax Digital Scale, which weighs up to 180kg in 100g steps, and the Seca Flat Scales, rated to 250kg. For a person who cannot stand steadily on a platform, the Healthweigh Chair Scales let them sit, with folding armrests and a footrest that lift independently and a maximum user weight of 300kg.
Blood glucose meters
For people living with diabetes, Healthdirect explains that checking blood glucose at home usually means placing a drop of blood from a finger prick onto a test strip that a meter reads. Ask the GP how often to test and what the results should be. The Rossmax Blood Glucose Monitoring System in the blood glucose monitor range comes with a lancing device, 10 lancets and a Bluetooth link to the Healthstyle app.
Making the readings useful
- Keep a record. Write each reading down, or use a device with a memory or app, and take the record to every appointment.
- Measure at the same times each day, in the same way, with the same device.
- Agree who takes the readings when a carer or family member helps, so nothing is doubled up or missed.
- Read the instructions that come with the device, and replace batteries before they run flat.
- Treat a single reading with caution. Repeat it, and if you are worried, call the GP or the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222, or 000 in an emergency.
For a broader look at what each type of device measures, see our overview of diagnostic medical devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size blood pressure cuff do I need?
Measure around the upper arm and match it to the cuff range. Omron lists a Medium cuff for arms of 22 to 32cm, a Large cuff for 32 to 42cm and a Medium to Large cuff covering 22 to 42cm. Each replacement cuff only suits certain Omron models, so check the compatibility list before ordering, or call with the model number.
Can two people share one blood pressure monitor?
Yes, if the monitor keeps separate memories. The Omron HEM7280T stores 100 readings for each of 2 users, and the MY Blood Pressure Monitor Deluxe holds 150 memories across 2 users. Separate memories stop one person’s readings mixing with the other’s, which matters when the record goes to a GP. Both people still need a cuff that fits their own arm.
How do I keep an ear thermometer clean?
Ear thermometers use a cover over the probe tip. The ROSSMAX Infrared Ear Thermometer with Probe Covers comes with 15 covers, while the Rossmax Thermometer Infrared Ear uses a multiple-use cover that the maker says to clean with alcohol after every use. Whichever model you have, follow its instructions for cleaning and replacing covers, and keep a spare supply in the same drawer as the thermometer.
If you would like help choosing a monitor, thermometer or set of scales, call Allcare Warehouse on 1300 767 777 or visit the Liverpool showroom at 230 Northumberland Street.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.